Write for TV, support volunteerism

Fancy yourself a TV writer? Here’s your chance to combine your writing skills while supporting your favorite eco-cause. Take the VolunTV Challenge, and write a pitch or script — or shoot a short video — of a TV show incorporating volunteerism!

This challenge is inspired by the Hollywood charity Entertainment Industry Foundation’s campaign called “I Participate,” which has gotten more than 60 national TV programs — ranging from CSI to 30 Rock — to honor volunteerism for good causes. Many of these programs will weave volunteerism into their storylines for a week starting tomorrow.

And while those plots have already been written, you can write and pitch a storyline that promotes volunteerism for your favorite TV show for a chance to win big for your favorite charity! Write or shoot the most creative pitch, script, or scene that best incorporates volunteerism into a TV show, and a $5,000 grand prize will be donated to a charity of your choice. Two second-prize winners will get to donate $2,500 to their charities. Judges will include celebrities — like Ashley Judd!

And just for entering the contest, you’ll get a free three-month digital subscription to The Chronicle of Philanthropy. Just make sure you get your three-minute video or 250-word pitch submitted by the Oct. 26 deadline.